Plans have been approved for a series of new CCTV cameras around Clacton town centre as part of a proposed upgrade.

Tendring District Council (TDC) aims to enhance the coverage provided by cameras to make the town safer for residents, businesses and visitors.

The upgrade is funded by a £317,000 grant from the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Streets Fund, along with £82,000 of match-funding from TDC.

The project will see up to 20 cameras upgraded and new cameras installed at additional locations, including High Street, Old Road, Wellesley Road, opposite Orwell Road in Marine Parade East, and the car park and skate park at Clacton Leisure Centre.

TDC’s Planning Committee approved plans for the installation of new cameras, columns, and ancillary equipment at the new sites during a meeting on Tuesday, 4 February.

A further planning decision on two cameras on the seafront is due shortly.

Councillor Peter Kotz, TDC Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, welcomed the decision.

"This initiative to upgrade CCTV cameras in Clacton is vital to ensure people feel safe in our town centre while also helping to deter crime and catch criminals,” he said.

“Significant strides have been made in reducing crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour across Tendring, making the district safer for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

“Whilst we are proud of these achievements, we recognise that work is needed to make Tendring even safer – and enhanced CCTV will boost safety and, importantly, the sense of security.

“Although there have been some delays to this project, we have been open and transparent about this and are committed to overcoming these obstacles and completing the project successfully.

“As part of our corporate plan, Our Vision, we are also committed to working with our partners, including Tendring Community Safety Partnership and the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, to improve quality of life for our residents.”

The project to upgrade CCTV in the town has been made a highlight property action for the council, and work is expected to start at various sites by the end of the month, pending consent from Essex Highways.

The council’s Community Leadership Overview and Scrutiny Committee last week heard that overall crime in the district was down 2.9 per cent between October 2023 and September last year, while anti-social behaviour was down 5.1 per cent.

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